Never give up on a bike just because it’s rusty. We’re clearing house at the Bike Recycling Program because we are about to lose a good chunk of our storage space, so I recently ‘rescued’ eight British 3-speeds from the scrap heap. The one that I will most likely keep for myself is a 1972 Raleigh Sports.

Before and after: the crank arm and part of the chainwheel have already received the treatment.

A while back I was looking around the web for a gentler way to remove rust from chrome than using fine steel wool. Chrome is porous, so rust on the surface can often be removed to reveal shiny chrome underneath; chrome is also very thin, so using steel wool or any other abrasive can only be done so many times before you’ve worn through. I found what I was looking for on a BMX forum: oxalic acid.

Oxalic acid is sold in the form of wood bleach, but this can be hard to find. It is also the main ingredient in Bar Keeper’s Friend, which can be had for about $2.69 at any supermarket.

I thought I'd have to replace this wheel; I guess maybe not.

The recommendation on the forum was to mix a mild solution of oxalic acid in water, and to soak the rusty parts in it overnight. The rust should wipe off with a toothbrush the next day. I tried this, and it does. An alternative I have tried since then is to make a thicker solution (like whole milk) and dip a rag in it, then use the rag to rub the rust off. Either way is a hell of a lot easier and gentler than using steel wool or chrome polish.

I keep Bar Keeper’s Friend in the workshop and at the BRP shop, and it turns out to be a great multi-purpose cleaner for around the house too.